# The London Gazette Confirms Succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby
LONDON, 9 September 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today marks the significance of its formal recognition by the Crown, an act published in *The London Gazette* in 2022 which confirmed Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness and revitalised one of England’s ancient Norman baronies.
## The Occasion
The formal notice (ID 4158083), published on 9 September 2022, represents a pivotal moment in the history of the Barony of Brattleby. While no single public ceremony marked the day, its significance resonates from the family’s Lincolnshire seat to the official corridors of London. This legal affirmation concluded a long period of abeyance for the title, grounding its nearly thousand-year history in the constitutional framework of the modern United Kingdom.
The recognition serves as a testament to the meticulous preservation of archival records and the enduring relevance of hereditary dignities. It is an occasion for reflection on the duties of stewardship that accompany such a profound historical inheritance, a responsibility now formally vested in the 12th Baroness and her family.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby is woven into the fabric of English history, having been granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, a trusted Norman lord, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. This established a lineage of service and influence that would span the centuries.
Among the most notable predecessors of the current Baroness was Nichola de la Haye, who inherited the Barony as the 5th Baroness in the 12th century. A figure of remarkable fortitude, she served as Sheriff of Lincolnshire and famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels during the First Barons' War. Later, the title passed through marriage to Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, the formidable John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence shaped the course of the late 14th century.
## Distinguished Company
The continuation of this historic lineage rests with the current generation of the Noble House. The recognised succession places responsibility foremost with Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
Lady Nicoleta is supported in her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby by marriage, who brings his own commitment to public service, guided by his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*. The future of the House is secured in their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who will in time become the 13th Baron of Brattleby, ensuring the line continues for another generation.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The restoration of an ancient title in the United Kingdom is a matter of exacting legal and heraldic procedure, not of simple declaration. The process culminates in a formal notice published in *The London Gazette*, the official journal of record for the British Crown and government since 1665.
This publication is the *sine qua non* of official recognition. It signifies that a claim, supported by extensive genealogical and documentary evidence, has been reviewed and found valid by the appropriate authorities, thereby allowing the title to be formally revived and its holder officially acknowledged. The notice of 9 September 2022 was the final, declarative step in this rigorous process.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The heritage of the Noble House of Brattleby is encapsulated in its armorial bearings and mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), speaks directly to the nine centuries of military service, administrative duty, and feudal obligation upheld by the Barons of Brattleby, from Colswein’s consolidation of Norman rule to Nichola de la Haye’s defence of the King’s castle.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere*, which translates as 'To Conquer is to Live' or, in a modern context, 'To Win is to Live'. This principle informs the family’s contemporary philosophy: one of actively overcoming challenges and striving for measurable success, particularly in their philanthropic and cultural initiatives.
## Philanthropic Purpose
With the formal recognition of their status comes a renewed dedication to public service. The Noble House of Brattleby has made philanthropy a central pillar of its modern mission, focusing its efforts on supporting vulnerable children. This commitment is most visibly expressed through the Annual Winter Banquet.
This white-tie gala is the House’s principal philanthropic event, with all proceeds directed to its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides specialist therapeutic care and support for children who have experienced trauma, aiming to restore their sense of safety and well-being. The selection of this charity reflects the House’s belief that securing a better future begins with nurturing its youngest and most fragile members.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting upon the significance of the Gazette notice, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “The formal notice was a moment of profound gravity. It is less a personal recognition and more a solemn duty to serve as a custodian for a heritage that has weathered nearly a thousand years of English history. Our task is simply to honour that legacy, *Fortitudine et Honore*.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House’s forward-looking duties: > “A title finds its true meaning not in its history, but in its present purpose. Our focus is on service, whether through our philanthropic endeavours or our educational work. My own motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, speaks to this: the will to overcome challenges for the betterment of others.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby is committed to ensuring its legacy remains both preserved and active. The education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, in the history and responsibilities of the Barony is a primary focus for the family.
Beyond their seat in Lincolnshire, the House continues its cultural work through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to instruction in classical etiquette and diplomatic protocol. Preparations are also underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, which will continue to marshall support for the vital work of Healing the Wounded Child. Through these efforts, the House of Brattleby reaffirms its enduring commitment to honouring the past by serving the present.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s most ancient hereditary titles. The House’s modern mission balances the careful preservation of its nine-century heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy and cultural education. Its principal charitable endeavour is the Annual Winter Banquet, in aid of organisations supporting vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, the House seeks to foster an appreciation for the traditions of diplomacy and social grace. The guiding principle of the House is its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), reflecting a timeless dedication to duty and public service.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a significant tenant-in-chief. For centuries, the Barony was associated with the defence of the realm and the administration of the county. Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle in the 13th century, and, through marriage, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a long period in abeyance, the Barony was formally revived on 9 September 2022, when Notice ID 4158083 in *The London Gazette* officially recognised Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recognised in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror to its first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - The House of Brattleby is seated in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, a holding recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors of the current Baroness include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com